Definition

Noun: * A species of barley (Hordeum jubatum) cultivated primarily for its decorative, feathery flower heads, which feature long, delicate, and silky awns. It is native to North America and northeastern Asia.

Usage

• This term is used specifically in botanical and horticultural contexts to refer to this ornamental grass species. It is often used by gardeners, landscapers, and botanists.
• It functions as a singular noun but can refer to multiple plants collectively (e.g., "a planting of ").

Examples

• The gardener planted Hordeum jubatum along the border for its soft, wispy texture.
• Hordeum jubatum, also known as foxtail barley, adds graceful movement to the prairie garden.
• The dried seed heads of Hordeum jubatum are popular in floral arrangements.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific or formal writing, the binomial name is typically italicized.
• It can be used metonymically to refer to the distinctive seed head itself.
  • The arrangement was finished with a few stems of Hordeum jubatum.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Name: Foxtail barley, squirrel-tail barley.
• Genus: (the genus containing barley species).
• Relative: (common barley, grown for grain).

Synonyms

• Foxtail barley
• Squirrel-tail grass

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical, identifying a specific plant species valued for ornamentation rather than agriculture.
• It should not be confused with common barley (), which is an important cereal crop.

Noun

1. barley grown for its highly ornamental flower heads with delicate long silky awns; North America and northeastern Asia